Method and apparatus for integrating video and instant messaging application sessions

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for enabling service providers to offer video services while enabling users to engage in an instant messaging session in a separate display frame on a video display device, such as a television, are disclosed. Specifically, a user can request the network to activate and display a video session, such as a movie. The user can invite one or more other users to participate in the video session. As other users accept to participate in the video session, the network can activate another session that enables the participants to communicate with each other via instant messages.

The present invention relates generally to communication networks and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for integrating video and instant messaging application sessions in communication networks, e.g., packet networks such as Service over Internet Protocol (SoIP) networks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As extremely high bandwidth access networks become more accessible to residential subscribers, they enable service providers of these networks to integrate voice, video, and data providing more convenience for end customers and creating new service opportunities. Due to the multi-service nature of these new services, networks need to support multiple simultaneous application sessions to a single subscriber. For instance, a subscriber can initiate a video session to watch a movie and sign on to an instant messaging session all at the same time. Once these sessions are established, the network needs to allow the subscriber to manipulate the video session and the instant messaging session.

Therefore, a need exists for a method and apparatus for integrating video and instant messaging application sessions in a packet network, e.g., a SoIP network.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the present invention enables a network provider to offer video services while enabling users to engage in an instant messaging session in a separate display frame on a video display device, such as a television. Specifically, a user can request the network to activate and display a video session, such as a movie. The user can invite one or more other users to participate in the video session. As other users accept to participate in the video session, the network can activate another session that enables the participants to communicate with each other via instant messages that can be displayed in a separate display frame on the same video display or as subtitles to the streaming video contents within a single display frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The teaching of the present invention can be readily understood by considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) network related to the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary Service over Internet Protocol (SoIP) network related to the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of integrating video and instant messaging application sessions in a packet network, e.g., a SoIP network, of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of a method for integrating video and instant messaging application sessions in a packet network, e.g., a SoIP network, of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a high level block diagram of a general purpose computer suitable for use in performing the functions described herein.

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

To better understand the present invention, FIG. 1 illustrates a communication architecture 100 having an example network, e.g., a packet network such as a VoIP network related to the present invention. Exemplary packet networks include internet protocol (IP) networks, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) networks, frame-relay networks, and the like. An IP network is broadly defined as a network that uses Internet Protocol to exchange data packets. Thus, a VoIP network or a SoIP (Service over Internet Protocol) network is considered an IP network.

In one embodiment, the VoIP network may comprise various types of customer endpoint devices connected via various types of access networks to a carrier (a service provider) VoIP core infrastructure over an Internet Protocol/Multi-Protocol Label Switching (IP/MPLS) based core backbone network. Broadly defined, a VoIP network is a network that is capable of carrying voice signals as packetized data over an IP network. The present invention is described below in the context of an illustrative VoIP network. Thus, the present invention should not be interpreted to be limited by this particular illustrative architecture.

The customer endpoint devices can be either Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) based or IP based. TDM based customer endpoint devices 122, 123, 134, and 135 typically comprise of TDM phones or Private Branch Exchange (PBX). IP based customer endpoint devices 144 and 145 typically comprise IP phones or IP PBX. The Terminal Adaptors (TA) 132 and 133 are used to provide necessary interworking functions between TDM customer endpoint devices, such as analog phones, and packet based access network technologies, such as Digital Subscriber Loop (DSL) or Cable broadband access networks. TDM based customer endpoint devices access VoIP services by using either a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) 120, 121 or a broadband access network via a TA 132 or 133. IP based customer endpoint devices access VoIP services by using a Local Area Network (LAN) 140 and 141 with a VoIP gateway or router 142 and 143, respectively.

The access networks can be either TDM or packet based. A TDM PSTN 120 or 121 is used to support TDM customer endpoint devices connected via traditional phone lines. A packet based access network, such as Frame Relay, ATM, Ethernet or IP, is used to support IP based customer endpoint devices via a customer LAN, e.g., 140 with a VoIP gateway and router 142. A packet based access network 130 or 131, such as DSL or Cable, when used together with a TA 132 or 133, is used to support TDM based customer endpoint devices.

The core VoIP infrastructure comprises of several key VoIP components, such the Border Element (BE) 112 and 113, the Call Control Element (CCE) 111, VoIP related Application Servers (AS) 114, and Media Server (MS) 115. The BE resides at the edge of the VoIP core infrastructure and interfaces with customers endpoints over various types of access networks. A BE is typically implemented as a Media Gateway and performs signaling, media control, security, and call admission control and related functions. The CCE resides within the VoIP infrastructure and is connected to the BEs using the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) over the underlying IP/MPLS based core backbone network 110. The CCE is typically implemented as a Media Gateway Controller or a softswitch and performs network wide call control related functions as well as interacts with the appropriate VoIP service related servers when necessary. The CCE functions as a SIP back-to-back user agent and is a signaling endpoint for all call legs between all BEs and the CCE. The CCE may need to interact with various VoIP related Application Servers (AS) in order to complete a call that require certain service specific features, e.g. translation of an E.164 voice network address into an IP address.

For calls that originate or terminate in a different carrier, they can be handled through the PSTN 120 and 121 or the Partner IP Carrier 160 interconnections. For originating or terminating TDM calls, they can be handled via existing PSTN interconnections to the other carrier. For originating or terminating VoIP calls, they can be handled via the Partner IP carrier interface 160 to the other carrier.

In order to illustrate how the different components operate to support a VoIP call, the following call scenario is used to illustrate how a VoIP call is setup between two customer endpoints. A customer using IP device 144 at location A places a call to another customer at location Z using TDM device 135. During the call setup, a setup signaling message is sent from IP device 144, through the LAN 140, the VoIP Gateway/Router 142, and the associated packet based access network, to BE 112. BE 112 will then send a setup signaling message, such as a SIP-INVITE message if SIP is used, to CCE 111. CCE 111 looks at the called party information and queries the necessary VoIP service related application server 114 to obtain the information to complete this call. In one embodiment, the Application Server (AS) functions as a SIP back-to-back user agent. If BE 113 needs to be involved in completing the call; CCE 111 sends another call setup message, such as a SIP-INVITE message if SIP is used, to BE 113. Upon receiving the call setup message, BE 113 forwards the call setup message, via broadband network 131, to TA 133. TA 133 then identifies the appropriate TDM device 135 and rings that device. Once the call is accepted at location Z by the called party, a call acknowledgement signaling message, such as a SIP 200 OK response message if SIP is used, is sent in the reverse direction back to the CCE 111. After the CCE 111 receives the call acknowledgement message, it will then send a call acknowledgement signaling message, such as a SIP 200 OK response message if SIP is used, toward the calling party. In addition, the CCE 111 also provides the necessary information of the call to both BE 112 and BE 113 so that the call data exchange can proceed directly between BE 112 and BE 113. The call signaling path 150 and the call media path 151 are illustratively shown in FIG. 1. Note that the call signaling path and the call media path are different because once a call has been setup up between two endpoints, the CCE 111 does not need to be in the data path for actual direct data exchange.

Media Servers (MS) 115 are special servers that typically handle and terminate media streams, and to provide services such as announcements, bridges, transcoding, and Interactive Voice Response (IVR) messages for VoIP service applications.

Note that a customer in location A using any endpoint device type with its associated access network type can communicate with another customer in location Z using any endpoint device type with its associated network type as well. For instance, a customer at location A using IP customer endpoint device 144 with packet based access network 140 can call another customer at location Z using TDM endpoint device 123 with PSTN access network 121. The BEs 112 and 113 are responsible for the necessary signaling protocol translation, e.g., SS7 to and from SIP, and media format conversion, such as TDM voice format to and from IP based packet voice format.

The network shown in FIG. 1 can be extended to become a SoIP network that supports multi-service applications including, but not limited to, video services. FIG. 2 illustrates a communication architecture 200 having an example network, e.g., a packet network such as a SoIP network related to the present invention. A SoIP network supports multi-service applications including voice, data, and video services. In one embodiment, a SoIP network that supports video services is described below. In this SoIP network, voice services supported include, but are not limited to, VoIP services; data services supported include, but are not limited to, Instant Messaging (IM), electronic mail (email), internet access services, or any other IP based applications; and video services include, but are not limited to, Video on Demand (VoD), broadcast video, and video conferencing services.

A SoIP network that supports video services comprises an intelligent multi-service endpoint device connected via packet access networks to a service provider's SoIP core infrastructure employing Internet Protocol (IP) and/or Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) Protocols. Broadly defined, a SoIP network is a network that is capable of carrying voice, video, and data signals as packetized data over an IP network. The present invention is described below in the context of an illustrative SoIP network that supports video services. Thus, the present invention should not be interpreted to be limited by this particular illustrative architecture.

Video endpoint device 232 and 233 are IP based intelligent multi-service endpoint device supporting voice, video, and data applications. Video endpoint device 232 and 233 are signaling endpoints of application sessions, e.g. a VoIP session endpoint, an instant messaging endpoint, or a video session endpoint. In one embodiment, a video endpoint device is a standalone device that can be connected to home electronic appliances such as, but is not limited to, telephone 234 and 235, TV 236 and 237, or Personal Computer (PC) 238 and 239. In another embodiment, a video endpoint device can be integrated with a TV, a PC, or any home appliances with a display.

The access networks are packet based. Packet based access networks 230 and 231 use, but are not limited to, Frame Relay, ATM, Ethernet, IP, DSL or Cable broadband access network technologies to interconnect a video endpoint device to a SoIP network that supports video services.

The core SoIP infrastructure that supports video services comprises of several components, such the Border Element (BE) 212 and 213, the Call Control Element (CCE) 211, SoIP related Application Servers (AS) 214, Media Servers (MS) 215, Session Controller (SC) 241, Video of Demand (VoD) Servers 242, Broadcast Servers (242), and Instant Messaging (IM) Servers 243. A BE resides at the edge of the SoIP core infrastructure and interfaces with customers endpoints over various types of access networks. The functions supported by a BE include those supported by a BE as previously described in network 100 and FIG. 1. In addition, in a SoIP network that supports video services, a BE also serves as a gateway between a video endpoint device used by a subscriber and the SoIP core network that supports video services. All application sessions initiated by a SoIP subscriber must gain entry to the SoIP core network via a BE. The functions supported by a CCE and a MS are the same as those previously described in network 100 and FIG. 1. A Session Controller (SC) resides within the SoIP infrastructure and is connected to the BEs using an IP based signaling protocol such as, but is not limited to, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP). A SC is responsible for setting up all application session requests, such as VoIP call requests, video session requests, or data session requests, originated by a customer within the network and interacts with, if necessary, the appropriate SoIP related AS in order to complete an application session that requires certain service specific features originated by a customer. A SC also keeps track of all sessions initiated by a customer for session management and billing purposes as well. The functions supported by a SoIP related AS include those supported by a VoIP AS as previously described in network 100 and FIG. 1. In addition, a SoIP AS also supports all video specific application features. A VoD Server is responsible for supporting video on demand video session requests originated by a customer and sends the requested streaming video contents, such as a movie, to the customer. A Broadcast Server is responsible for supporting broadcast video session requested originated by a customer and sends streaming broadcast video contents, such as TV channels, to the customer. The VoD Server and the Broadcast Server sends streaming video contents to video endpoint devices using compression technologies including, but are not limited to, Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) 2, MPEG 4, MPEG 7, MPEG 21. An IM Server is responsible for supporting IM applications involving multiple users. Instant Messaging is a form of electronic communication that involves immediate typed text correspondence between two or more users over the Internet who are online simultaneously. IM is a text-based computer conference over the Internet between two or more people who are online at the same time.

In order to illustrate how the different components in a SoIP network operate to support video services, the following scenarios are used to illustrate how voice, data, and video sessions are setup between the SoIP network and a video endpoint. In one embodiment, a customer using video endpoint device 232 at location A places a VoD session request to the SoIP network that supports video services using TV 236. During the session initiation, a setup signaling message is sent from video endpoint device 232 to BE 212 using signaling path segment 250. BE 212 will then send a setup signaling message, such as a SIP-INVITE message if SIP is used, to SC 241 using signaling path segment 251. SC 241 processes the session requests and forwards the request to the appropriate server for further processing. In this case, the request is a VoD session; therefore, the request will be forwarded to VoD Server 242 using signaling path segment 252. SC 241 may interact with AS 214 using signaling path segment 259 to verify customer's subscription information or to retrieve video specific applications or data in order to complete the session request. Once the VoD session is verified, VoD Server 242 sends the requested VoD streaming contents to BE 212 using data path segment 262. BE 212 then forwards the requested VoD streaming contents to video endpoint 232 using data path segment 260. Similarly, a customer at location Z using TV 237 connected to video endpoint 233 can request a VoD session via SC 241 with streaming VoD contents sent by VoD Server 242. Note that a VoD server may be placed closer to end users in a packet access network to serve video endpoints in an alternative embodiment.

In another embodiment, a customer using video endpoint device 232 at location A places a broadcast video session request to the SoIP network that supports video services using TV 236. During the session initiation, a setup signaling message is sent from video endpoint device 232 to BE 212 using signaling path segment 250. BE 212 will then send a setup signaling message, such as a SIP-INVITE message if SIP is used, to SC 241 using signaling path segment 251. SC 241 processes the session requests and forwards the request to the appropriate server for further processing. In this case, the request is a broadcast video session for a particular premium TV channel; therefore, the request will be forwarded to Broadcast Server 243 using signaling path segment 253. SC 241 may interact with AS 214 using signaling path segment 259 to verify customer's subscription information or to retrieve video specific applications or data in order to complete the session request. Once the broadcast session is verified, Broadcast Server 243 sends the requested broadcast video streaming contents to BE 212 using data path segment 263. BE 212 then forwards the requested broadcast video streaming contents to video endpoint 232 using data path segment 260. Similarly, a customer at location Z using TV 237 connected to video endpoint 233 can request a broadcast video session via SC 241 with streaming broadcast video contents sent by Broadcast Server 243. Note that a Broadcast server may be placed closer to end users in a packet access network to serve video endpoints in an alternative embodiment.

In another embodiment, a customer using video endpoint device 232 at location A places an IM session request to the video network using PC 238. During the session initiation, a setup signaling message is sent from video endpoint device 232 to BE 212 using signaling path segment 250. BE 212 will then send a setup signaling message, including login and password information of the user, to SC 241 using signaling path segment 251. SC 241 processes the session requests and forwards the request to the appropriate server for further processing. In this case, the request to sign on an IM session; therefore, the request will be forwarded to IM Server 244 using signaling path segment 254. SC 241 may interact with AS 214 using signaling path segment 259 to verify customer's subscription information or to retrieve IM specific applications or data in order to complete the session request. Once the IM session is verified, IM Server 244 establishes the requested IM data path to video endpoint 232 via BE 212 using data path comprising data path segment 260 and 264. Similarly, a customer at location A using TV 236 connected to video endpoint 232 or a customer at location Z using PC 239 or TV 237 connected to video endpoint 233 can request an IM session via SC 241 with IM functions provided by IM Server 244.

In another embodiment, a customer using video endpoint device 232 at location A places a VoIP session request destined to video endpoint device 233 via the SoIP network that supports video services using telephone 234. During the session initiation, a setup signaling message is sent from video endpoint device 232 to BE 212 using signaling path segment 250. BE 212 will then send a setup signaling message, such as a SIP-INVITE message if SIP is used, to SC 241 using signaling path segment 251. SC 241 processes the session requests and forwards the request to the appropriate server for further processing. In this case, the request is a VoIP session for a call destined to a called party at location Z; therefore, the request will be forwarded to CCE 211 using signaling path segment 255. CCE may interact with AS 214 using signaling path segment 259 to verify customer's subscription information or to retrieve VoIP specific applications or data in order to complete the session request. The signaling flows to establish a VoIP call between video endpoint device 232 and 233 is similar to those described previously in network 100 and FIG. 1. In one embodiment, the Application Server (AS) functions as a SIP back-to-back user agent. Since BE 213 needs to be involved in completing the call; CCE 211 sends another call setup message, such as a SIP-INVITE message if SIP is used, to BE 213 using signaling path segment 257. Upon receiving the call setup message, BE 213 forwards the call setup message, via packet access network 231 to video endpoint device 233 using signaling path segment 258. Video endpoint device 233 then identifies telephone 235 and rings that telephone. Once the call is accepted at location Z by the called party, a call acknowledgement signaling message, such as a SIP 200 OK response message if SIP is used, is sent in the reverse direction back to the CCE 211. After the CCE 211 receives the call acknowledgement message, it will then send a call acknowledgement signaling message, such as a SIP 200 OK response message if SIP is used, toward the calling party at location A using signaling path comprising signaling path segment 256 and 250 via BE 212. In addition, the CCE 211 also provides the necessary information of the call to both BE 212 and BE 213 so that the call data exchange can proceed directly between BE 212 and BE 213. CCE 211 also provides the call completion status of a VoIP call to SC 241. The call media path comprising media path segment 260, 261, and 265 are illustratively shown in FIG. 2. Note that the call signaling path and the call media path are different because once a call has been setup up between two video endpoint devices, SC 241 and CCE 211 does not need to be in the data path for actual direct data exchange.

As extremely high bandwidth access networks become more accessible to residential subscribers, they enable service providers of these networks to integrate voice, video, and data providing more convenience for end customers and creating new service opportunities. Due to the multi-service nature of these new services, networks need to support multiple simultaneous application sessions to a single subscriber. For instance, a subscriber can initiate a video session to watch a movie and sign on to an instant messaging session all at the same time. Once these sessions are established, the network needs to allow the subscriber to manipulate the video session and the instant messaging session.

To address this need, the present invention enables a network provider to offer video services while enabling users to engage in an instant messaging session in a separate display frame on a video display device, such as a television. Specifically, a user can request the network to activate and display a video session, such as a movie. The user can invite one or more other users to participate in the video session. As other users accept to participate in the video session, the network can activate another session that enables the participant to communicate with each other via instant messages that can be displayed in a separate display frame on the same video display or as subtitles to the streaming video contents within a single display frame.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary communication architecture 300 for integrating video and instant messaging application sessions in a packet network, e.g., a SoIP network, of the present invention. In FIG. 3, subscriber 331 establishes a video session and an instant messaging session. For the video session, video endpoint 333 sends a video session setup signaling message to SC 341 using signaling flow 350. Upon receiving the video session setup signaling message, SC 341 forwards the session request to VoD server 342 using signaling flow 351. Then VoD server 342 sends the requested video stream to video endpoint 333 using video flow 360 to be displayed on TV 337 in an independent display frame to be viewed by subscriber 331. For the instant messaging (IM) session, video endpoint 333 sends an IM session setup signaling message, comprising login identifier and password information, to SC 341 using signaling flow 350. Upon receiving the IM session setup signaling message, SC 341 forwards the session request to IM server 343 using signaling flow 352. Then IM server 343 connects the requested IM session to video endpoint 333 to be displayed on TV 337 to be read by subscriber 331. Note that the active IM session is displayed in an independent display frame to be read by subscriber 331. Subscriber 331, in this scenario, has established two independent SoIP application sessions on a per user basis.

After these aforementioned application sessions have been setup, subscriber 331 decides to invite subscriber 332 to participate in the video session. The invitation request is sent by video endpoint 333 to SC 341 using signaling flow 350 and then SC 341 forwards the invitation to video endpoint 334 using signaling flow 353. Once subscriber 332 accepts the video session invitation, the same streaming video content being watched by subscriber 331 will also be sent by VoD server 342 to subscriber 332 using video flow 362 to be displayed on TV 338 in an independent display frame. While the video session is on-going, subscriber 332 can sign on to an IM session using signaling flow 353 via SC 341. SC 341 forwards the IM session request, comprising login identifier and password information, to IM server 343. Then IM server 343 connects the requested IM session to video endpoint 334 to be displayed on TV 338 to be read by subscriber 332. Note that the active IM session is displayed in an independent display frame to be read by subscriber 332.

Subscribers 331 and 332 can communicate via the established IM sessions using data flows 361 and 363 while watching the same streaming video contents. For instance, subscriber 331 can communicate with subscriber 332 via the established IM session in a separate display frame while the streaming video content is being played in a different display frame on the same video display device. Moreover, subscriber 331 can request the network to join the on-going video session and IM session into a single application session in which the streaming video content is being played in a display frame and the IM communications with subscriber 332 can be displayed as subtitles in the same display frame. The session join request is received by SC 341 via flow 350 and forwarded to VoD Server 342 and IM Server 343 for completion using flows 351 and 352 respectively. Similarly, subscriber 332 can communicate with subscriber 331 via the established IM session in a separate display frame while the streaming video content is being played in a different display frame on the same video display device. Moreover, subscriber 332 can request the network to join the on-going video session and IM session into a single application session in which the streaming video content is being played in a display frame and the IM communications with subscriber 331 can be displayed as subtitles in the same display frame. The session join request is received by SC 341 via flow 353 and forwarded to VoD Server 342 and IM Server 343 for completion using flows 351 and 352 respectively. Note that subscriber 331 can invite one or more other subscribers to participate in the video sessions and the IM sessions.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of a method 400 for integrating video and instant messaging application sessions in a packet network, e.g., a SoIP network, of the present invention. Note that method 400 can be applied to invite one or more other participants to participate in the same video session and the same IM session. Method 400 starts in step 405 and proceeds to step 410.

In step 410, the method receives an invitation request destined to a subscriber (e.g., a second subscriber) to participate in a video session from another subscriber (e.g., a first subscriber). For example, the invitation request is received by a SC and forwarded to said subscriber.

In step 420, the method receives an acceptance from said subscriber to participate in the invited video session. For example, the acceptance is received by the SC from said subscriber.

In step 425, the method establishes a video session to the subscriber. As a result of accepting the invitation request to participate in a video session, the SC sends a video session request to a VoD server to complete video session setup procedures. The video session is then established between the VoD server and the subscriber.

In step 430, the method sends the same streaming video content being watched by said another subscriber to be displayed in an independent display frame on said subscriber's display video device. The VoD server is responsible for sending the streaming video content.

In step 440, the method receives IM session sign on requests from both subscribers. The IM session sign on requests are received by the SC.

In step 450, the method establishes the requested IM sessions and enables communications via IM connections between both subscribers. The SC sends the IM session sign on requests to an IM server to establish the requested IM sessions. The IM communications are displayed in independent display frames on both subscribers' own video display device.

In step 460, the method checks if it receives a session join request to join the video session with the IM session from either or both subscribers. The session join request is received by the SC. If a session join request is received from one or both subscribers, the method proceeds to step 470; otherwise, the method proceeds to step 480.

In step 470, the method joins the video session with the IM session into a single application session to be displayed in a single display frame. The SC forwards the session join request to the VoD server and the IM server to complete the session join request. In particular, the single display frame plays back the streaming video content while displaying the IM communications as subtitles in the same display frame on the subscribers' own video display device. Either subscriber can issue a session join request independently. The session join operation can be performed by either subscriber independently. The method ends in step 480.

FIG. 5 depicts a high level block diagram of a general purpose computer suitable for use in performing the functions described herein. As depicted in FIG. 5, the system 500 comprises a processor element 502 (e.g., a CPU), a memory 504, e.g., random access memory (RAM) and/or read only memory (ROM), a module 505 for integrating video and instant messaging application sessions, and various input/output devices 506 (e.g., storage devices, including but not limited to, a tape drive, a floppy drive, a hard disk drive or a compact disk drive, a receiver, a transmitter, a speaker, a display, a speech synthesizer, an output port, and a user input device (such as a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, and the like)).

It should be noted that the present invention can be implemented in software and/or in a combination of software and hardware, e.g., using application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), a general purpose computer or any other hardware equivalents. In one embodiment, the present module or process 505 for integrating video and instant messaging application sessions can be loaded into memory 504 and executed by processor 502 to implement the functions as discussed above. As such, the present process 505 for integrating video and instant messaging application sessions (including associated data structures) of the present invention can be stored on a computer readable medium or carrier, e.g., RAM memory, magnetic or optical drive or diskette and the like.

While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of a preferred embodiment should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for enabling subscribers to join an instant messaging application session in a communication network, comprising: establishing, via a processor of a session controller, a video session and the instant messaging session by a first subscriber of the subscribers; inviting, via the processor, a second subscriber of the subscribers, after the video session is established by the first subscriber, to participate in viewing the video session, wherein the video session that is established comprises a movie, wherein the inviting the second subscriber to participate in the video session that is established comprises: sending a video session invitation to the second subscriber; establishing a second video session to the second subscriber who has accepted the video session invitation; and sending a same video content that is being viewed by the first subscriber to be viewed by the second subscriber who has accepted the video session invitation, wherein the same video content associated with the video session is sent via a video on demand server; inviting, via the processor, the second subscriber to participate in the instant messaging session initiated by the first subscriber, wherein the inviting the second subscriber to participate in the instant messaging session comprises: sending an instant messaging session invitation to the second subscriber who has participated in the video session that is established to participate in the instant messaging session initiated by the first subscriber; and enabling instant messaging communications between the first subscriber and the second subscriber who has accepted the instant messaging session invitation, wherein the instant messaging communications are enabled via an instant messaging server between the first subscriber and the second subscriber who has previously participated in the video session that is established; enabling, by the processor, each subscriber of the subscribers who participates in both the video session that is established and the instant messaging session to independently join the video session that is established with the instant messaging session into a single joined video and instant messaging session; wherein the video session that is established and the instant messaging session are active simultaneously on a per subscriber basis; and enabling, by the processor, the single joined video and instant messaging session to display video content of the video session that is established with text content of the instant messaging session in a single display frame.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the communication network is a service over internet protocol network.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the instant messaging communications comprise text based communications between the first subscriber and the second subscriber.
 4. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions which, when executed by a processor of a session controller, cause the processor to perform operations for enabling subscribers to join an instant messaging application session in a communication network, the operations comprising: establishing a video session and the instant messaging session by a first subscriber of the subscribers; inviting a second subscriber of the subscribers, after the video session is established by the first subscriber, to participate in viewing the video session, wherein the video session that is established comprises a movie, wherein the inviting the second subscriber to participate in the video session that is established comprises: sending a video session invitation to the second subscriber; establishing a second video session to the second subscriber who has accepted the video session invitation; and sending a same video content that is being viewed by the first subscriber to be viewed by the second subscriber who has accepted the video session invitation, wherein the same video content associated with the video session is sent via a video on demand server; inviting the second subscriber to participate in the instant messaging session initiated by the first subscriber, wherein the inviting the second subscriber to participate in the instant messaging session comprises: sending an instant messaging session invitation to the second subscriber who has participated in the video session that is established to participate in the instant messaging session initiated by the first subscriber; and enabling instant messaging communications between the first subscriber and the second subscriber who has accepted the instant messaging session invitation, wherein the instant messaging communications are enabled via an instant messaging server between the first subscriber and the second subscriber who has previously participated in the video session that is established; enabling each subscriber of the subscribers who participates in both the video session that is established and the instant messaging session to independently join the video session that is established with the instant messaging session into a single joined video and instant messaging session; wherein the video session that is established and the instant messaging session are active simultaneously on a per subscriber basis; and enabling the single joined video and instant messaging session to display video content of the video session that is established with text content of the instant messaging session in a single display frame.
 5. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 4, wherein the communication network is a service over internet protocol network.
 6. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 4, wherein the instant messaging communications comprise text based communications between the first subscriber and the second subscriber.
 7. An apparatus for enabling subscribers to join an instant messaging application session in a communication network, comprising: a processor of a session controller; and a computer-readable medium storing instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations, the operations comprising: establishing a video session and the instant messaging session by a first subscriber of the subscribers; inviting a second subscriber of the subscribers, after the video session is established by the first subscriber, to participate in viewing the video session, wherein the video session that is established comprises a movie, wherein the inviting the second subscriber to participate in the video session that is established comprises: sending a video session invitation to the second subscriber; establishing a second video session to the second subscriber who has accepted the video session invitation; and sending a same video content that is being viewed by the first subscriber to be viewed by the second subscriber who has accepted the video session invitation, wherein the same video content associated with the video session is sent via a video on demand server; inviting the second subscriber to participate in the instant messaging session initiated by the first subscriber, wherein the inviting the second subscriber to participate in the instant messaging session comprises: sending an instant messaging session invitation to the second subscriber who has participated in the video session that is established to participate in the instant messaging session initiated by the first subscriber; and enabling instant messaging communications between the first subscriber and the second subscriber who has accepted the instant messaging session invitation, wherein the instant messaging communications are enabled via an instant messaging server between the first subscriber and the second subscriber who has previously participated in the video session that is established; enabling each subscriber of the subscribers who participates in both the video session that is established and the instant messaging session to independently join the video session that is established with the instant messaging session into a single joined video and instant messaging session; wherein the video session that is established and the instant messaging session are active simultaneously on a per subscriber basis; and enabling the single joined video and instant messaging session to display video content of the video session that is established with text content of the instant messaging session in a single display frame. 